Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)Finally, the wait is over, and a crucial and major update has arrived on Virat Kohli's fitness and availability for the much-awaited IND vs ENG ODI series. It is vital to note that Kohli was sidelined from the IND vs AFG ODI series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already included Kohli in India’s ODI squad for the England tour announced on June 21. However, his participation was dependent on his fitness status. Virat Kohli In Bengaluru For Fitness Test At BCCI's CoEKohli travelled to Bengaluru to undergo a detailed fitness evaluation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on June 22. Reports and videos circulating on social media showed the star player arriving at the airport earlier in the day.Also Read: Virat Kohli Not Cleared; India ODI Squad For England Tour AnnouncedThe medical team closely monitored his recovery and assessed the extent of his injury. How Was Virat Kohli Injured?Kohli suffered a rare distal semimembranosus tendon tear during the IPL 2026 final while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 31. The injury affected the lower hamstring tendon near the back of the knee.The tear occurred close to the tendon's attachment point near the inner shinbone, making it a serious hamstring injury. As a result, Kohli was forced to miss India's ODI series against Afghanistan and focus on rehabilitation.Virat Kohli’s Fitness Cleared For IND vs ENG ODIsIn a significant development, Virat Kohli has now cleared his fitness test and received medical approval to return to action (as per Sports Tak). It is important to note that, according to the same reports, the board will likely make an official announcement regarding Kohli's playing status on June 23."Virat Kohli has completed his task and is likely to be given green signal by tomorrow to be available for England ODIs." Sports Tak stated.The positive update on his availability is a major boost for Team India ahead of the England ODIs.Why IND vs END ODIs Series Is Important For Virat Kohli?With India already looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, the IND vs ENG ODI series is an important step in the team's preparation.Kohli remains an experienced and crucial player in India's ODI plans, and this series gives him a chance to show his form and fitness. It will also help the team management assess how experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma can continue to lead the batting lineup.When Will India vs England ODI Series Begin?The highly anticipated India vs England ODI series will begin on July 14 in Birmingham. The second ODI will be played on July 16 in Cardiff, followed by the final ODI on July 19 at the Lord’s. Before the ODI series, the ‘Men in Blue’ will play a five-match T20 series. The India’s squad for both the T20I and ODI series have already been named.Also Read: ECB Names England T20I Squad Vs India; James Coles Earns Maiden Call Up
